Image playback device and method and electronic camera with image playback function

ABSTRACT

An image playback device, which may be part of an electronic camera, reads out recorded information that has been recorded on a recording medium. A time period discriminator receives the recorded information read out by the image playback device and discriminates periods of time during which recorded information agrees with certain pre-set conditions. Moving-picture image information contained in the recorded information is played back and displayed in accordance with results of the discrimination.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese PatentApplication No. 08-339338 filed Dec. 19, 1996, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

[0002] This application is a continuation of Application No. 08/993,984filed Dec. 18, 1997 (abandoned).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention concerns an image playback device whichplays back moving-picture image information, and an electronic camerawhich has a moving-picture image information playback function. Morespecifically, the present invention concerns an image playback deviceand an electronic camera which can select or discard moving-pictureimage information according to prescribed set conditions, and which canplay back and display such information only during certain limitedperiods.

RELATED BACKGROUND ART

[0005] In the past, image playback devices and electronic cameras whichplay back moving-picture image information recorded on a recordingmedium have been adapted for practical use.

[0006] Especially in recent years, as a result of the development ofdigital image processing using computers, etc., devices which play backimage files that have been subjected to high-efficiency encoding such asthe MPEG standard, etc., have become known.

[0007] In image playback devices of this type, when instructions aregiven for the playback of a prescribed image file, the moving-pictureimage information contained in the image file is played back anddisplayed throughout a continuous time period.

[0008] However, unedited image files contain numerous unnecessaryplayback images (hereafter referred to as “unnecessary locations”).Ordinarily, the operator runs the playback images at fast forward inorder to skip over such unnecessary locations.

[0009] During such fast-forward operation, the operator must confirm theend points of unnecessary locations visually, and must thereforeconstantly monitor fast-forward images which have poor visualrecognition characteristics. As a result, fast-forward skipping ofunnecessary locations is tedious and difficult.

[0010] Furthermore, it often happens that the operator will not noticethe end point of an unnecessary location, and will inadvertentlycontinue fast-forward operation into important playback locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, a first object of the invention is to provide animage playback device and method which make it possible to observeplayback images while automatically skipping over unnecessary playbacklocations by discriminating time periods with specified conditions, andperforming playback based on the results of this discrimination.

[0012] A second object of the invention is to provide an image playbackdevice and method which allow direct playback of the contents ofmoving-picture image information (i. e., the flow of stories orconversations, etc.).

[0013] A third object of the invention is to provide an image playbackdevice and method which make it possible to extract and playback theconversation of specified speakers, etc.

[0014] A fourth object of the invention is to provide an image playbackdevice and method which make it possible to omit locations of faultyimaging caused by backlighting, etc.

[0015] A fifth object of the invention is to provide an image playbackdevice and method which make it possible to discriminate between panningscenes and scenes other than panning scenes, and to play back scenes ofone or the other type.

[0016] A sixth object of the invention is to provide an image playbackdevice and method which make it possible to perform playback withlocations in which the principal object of imaging is absent (e.g.,locations in which only a wall is imaged, etc.) being deliberatelyomitted.

[0017] A seventh object of the invention is to provide an image playbackdevice and method which divide moving-picture image information intoimages from which persons are absent and images in which persons arepresent, and play back images of one or the other type.

[0018] An eighth object of the invention is to provide an electroniccamera and operating method which allow (for example) observation withautomatic skipping of specified playback locations by discriminatingimaging parameters as conditions during imaging, and performing playbackbased on the results of this discrimination.

[0019] A ninth object of the invention is to provide an electroniccamera and operating method which make it possible to perform playbackwith playback locations showing an out-of-focus state omitted.

[0020] A tenth object of the invention is to provide an electroniccamera and operating method which make it possible to perform playbackwith locations imaged at a lens position at the point-blank end omitted.

[0021] An eleventh object of the invention is to provide an electroniccamera and operating method which make it possible to dividemoving-picture image information into scenery images, etc., and imagesother than scenery images, etc., and to play back images of one or theother type.

[0022] A twelfth object of the invention is to provide an electroniccamera and operating method which allow (for example) observation withautomatic skipping of specified playback locations by discriminating thesurrounding environment as conditions during imaging, and performingplayback based on the results of this discrimination.

[0023] A thirteenth object of the invention is to provide an electroniccamera and operating method which make it possible to perform playbackin which images of objects that have a specified surface temperature areextracted.

[0024] Briefly stated, in one of its broader aspects, the presentinvention comprises a medium playback means which reads out recordedinformation from a recording medium, a time period discriminating meanswhich receives the recorded information read out by the image playbackmeans and discriminates periods of time during which the recordedinformation agrees with at least one pre-set condition, and a playbackdisplay means which plays back and displays moving-picture imageinformation contained in the recorded information in accordance withresults of the discrimination performed by the time perioddiscriminating means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will be further described in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred (best mode)embodiments and illustrative implementations, and the figures of whichare briefly described hereinafter.

[0026]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a first (general)embodiment of the invention.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a second embodiment.

[0028]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a third embodiment.

[0029]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a sixth embodiment.

[0032]FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a seventh embodiment.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an eighth embodiment.

[0034]FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a ninth embodiment.

[0035]FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a tenth embodiment.

[0036]FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a first illustrativeimplementation of the invention.

[0037]FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the external appearanceof the first illustrative implementation of the invention.

[0038]FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the firstillustrative implementation of the invention.

[0039]FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a second illustrativeimplementation of the invention.

[0040]FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the secondillustrative implementation of the invention.

[0041]FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a third illustrative implementationof the invention.

[0042]FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the thirdillustrative implementation of the invention.

[0043]FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a fourth illustrative implementationof the invention.

[0044]FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the fourthillustrative implementation of the invention.

[0045]FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a fifth illustrative implementationof the invention.

[0046]FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the fifthillustrative implementation of the invention.

[0047]FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a sixth illustrative implementationof the invention.

[0048]FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the sixthillustrative implementation of the invention.

[0049]FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a seventh illustrativeimplementation of the invention.

[0050]FIGS. 25 and 26 are flow charts illustrating the operation of theseventh illustrative implementation of the invention.

[0051]FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an eighth illustrativeimplementation of the invention.

[0052]FIG. 28 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the eighthillustrative implementation of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND ILLUSTRATIVE IMPLEMENTATIONS

[0053]FIG. 1 is a block diagram which illustrates a first (general)embodiment of the invention.

[0054] The invention shown in FIG. 1 is characterized by the fact thatan image playback device is equipped with a medium playback means 1which reads out recorded information that has been recorded on arecording medium R, a time period discriminating means 2 which receivesthe recorded information read out by the image playback means 1 anddiscriminates periods of time during which the recorded informationagrees with at least one pre-set condition, and a playback display means3 which plays back and displays moving-picture image informationcontained in the recorded information in accordance with the results ofthe discrimination performed by the time period discriminating means 2.

[0055]FIG. 2 is a block diagram which illustrates a second embodimentinvention.

[0056] The second embodiment is characterized by the fact that in theimage playback device of the first embodiment, a time perioddiscriminating means 2 is equipped with a sound quantity detection means4 which receives audio information from the recorded information readout by the medium playback means 1, and detects the quantity of sound ofthis audio information, and a silence discriminating means 5 whichdiscriminates silent periods in which the quantity of sound detected bythe sound quantity detection means 4 drops below a predetermined soundquantity, and by the fact that the playback display means 3 plays backand displays moving-picture image information contained in the recordedinformation only during time periods other than the silent periodsdiscriminated by the silence discriminating means 5.

[0057]FIG. 3 is a block diagram which illustrates the third embodimentof the invention.

[0058] The third embodiment is characterized by the fact that in theimage playback device of the first embodiment, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is equipped with a speaker characteristic featureextracting means 6 which receives audio information from the recordedinformation read out by the medium playback means 1, and detects atleast one characteristic feature parameter specifying long-term spectrumaverages or mean pitch frequencies for the audio information; and aspeaker discriminating means 7 which discriminates time periods duringwhich the characteristic feature parameters detected by the speakercharacteristic feature extracting means 6 show agreement withpre-registered characteristic feature parameters within permissibleranges, and by the fact that the playback display means 3 plays back anddisplays moving-picture image information contained in the recordedinformation only during time periods discriminated by the speakerdiscriminating means 7.

[0059]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the fourth embodiment of theinvention.

[0060] The fourth embodiment is characterized by the fact that in theimage playback device of the first embodiment, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is equipped with a brightness differencedetection means 8 which inputs moving-picture image information from therecorded information read out by the medium playback means 1, anddetects differences in the brightness level between central andperipheral portions of an image screen, and a backlightingdiscriminating means 9 which discriminates periods of backlighting (inwhich imaging is performed under backlit conditions) based on thebrightness level differences detected by the brightness differencedetection means 8, and by the fact that the playback display means 3plays back and displays moving-picture image information contained inthe recorded information only during time periods other than the periodsof backlighting discriminated by the backlighting discriminating means9.

[0061]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0062] The fifth embodiment is characterized by the fact that in theimage playback device of the first embodiment, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is equipped with a movement detection means 10which receives moving-picture image information from the recordedinformation read out by the medium playback means 1, and detectsmovement vectors between moving-picture frames, and a panningdiscriminating means 11 which discriminates panning periods (in whichthe screen as a whole moves horizontally) from the movement vectorsdetected by the movement detection means 10, and by the fact that theplayback display means 3 acquires the panning periods discriminated bythe panning discriminating means 11, and plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationonly during the panning periods or during time periods other than thepanning periods.

[0063]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the sixth embodiment of theinvention.

[0064] The sixth embodiment is characterized by the fact that in theimage playback device of the first embodiment, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is equipped with a contrast detection means 12which receives moving-picture image information from the recordedinformation read out by the medium playback means 1, and detects thecontrast of this moving-picture image information, and a low-contrastdiscriminating means 13 which discriminates low-contrast periods inwhich the contrast detected by the contrast detection means 12 dropsbelow a predetermined threshold value, and by the fact that the playbackdisplay means 3 plays back and displays moving-picture image informationcontained in the recorded information only during time periods otherthan the low-contrast periods discriminated by the low-contrastdiscriminating means 13.

[0065]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the seventh embodiment of theinvention.

[0066] The seventh embodiment is characterized by the fact that in theimage playback device of the first embodiment, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is equipped with a flesh tone detection means 14which receives moving-picture image information from the recordedinformation read out by the medium playback means 1, and detects fleshtone regions within the screen, and an absence-of-persons discriminatingmeans 15 which discriminates periods of absence of persons in which theflesh tone regions detected by the flesh tone detection means 14 dropbelow a prescribed area, and by the fact that the playback display means3 acquires the periods of absence of persons discriminated by theabsence-of-persons discriminating means 15, and plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationonly during these periods of absence of persons or during time periodsother than these periods of absence of persons.

[0067]FIG. 8 is a block diagram which illustrates the eighth embodimentof the invention.

[0068] The eight embodiment is characterized by the fact that anelectronic camera is equipped with an imaging means 16 which producesmoving-picture image information by imaging an object via an imagingoptical system L, an imaging parameter detection means 17 which detectsat least one imaging parameter of the imaging optical system L, a mediumrecording means 18 which inputs moving-picture image informationproduced by the imaging means 16 and imaging parameters detected by theimaging parameter detection means 17, and records such moving-pictureimage information and imaging parameter on a recording medium R asrecorded information, a medium playback means 1 which reads out therecorded information from the recording medium R, a time perioddiscriminating means 19 which receives at least one imaging parameterfrom the recorded information read out by the medium playback means 1,and discriminates time periods during which such imaging parametersagree with certain pre-set conditions, and a playback display means 3which plays back and displays moving-picture image information containedin the recorded information in accordance with the results of thediscrimination performed by the time period discriminating means 19.

[0069] In one of its implementations, the eight embodiment ischaracterized by the fact that in the electronic camera, the imagingparameter detection means 17 detects focal point adjustment conditionsof the imaging optical system L as imaging parameters, the time perioddiscriminating means 19 receives the focal point adjustment conditionsfrom the recorded information read out by the medium playback means 1,and discriminates out-of-focus periods in which the focal pointadjustment conditions show an out-of-focus state, and the playbackdisplay means 3 plays back and displays moving-picture image informationcontained in the recorded information only during time periods otherthan the out-of-focus periods detected by the time period discriminatingmeans 19.

[0070] In another of its implementations, the eighth embodiment ischaracterized by the fact that in the electronic camera, the imagingparameter detection means 17 detects the lens position inside a mirrortube of the imaging optical system L as an imaging parameter, the timeperiod discriminating means 19 receives the lens position from therecorded data read out by the medium playback means 1, and discriminatespoint-blank periods in which the lens position is at the point-blank(close distance) end, and the playback display means 3 plays back anddisplays moving-picture image information contained in the recordedinformation only during time periods other than the point-blank periodsdiscriminated by the time period discriminating means 19.

[0071] In another of its implementations, the eighth embodiment ischaracterized by the fact that in the electronic camera, the imagingparameter detection means 17 detects the lens position inside a mirrortube of the imaging optical system L as an imaging parameter, the timeperiod discriminating means 19 receives the lens position from therecorded data read out by the medium playback means 1, and discriminatesperiods of infinite distance in which the lens position is at theinfinite distance end, and the playback display means 3 plays back anddisplays moving-picture image information contained in the recordedinformation only during the periods of infinite distance discriminatedby the time period discriminating means 19 or during time periods otherthan the periods of infinite distance.

[0072]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the ninth embodiment of theinvention.

[0073] The ninth embodiment is characterized by the fact that anelectronic camera of this invention is equipped with an imaging means 16which produces moving-picture image information by imaging an object viaan imaging optical system L, an environmental parameter detection means20 which detects at least one environmental parameter indicative of thesurrounding environment at the time of imaging, a medium recording means18 which inputs moving-picture image information produced by the imagingmeans 16 and environmental parameters detected by the environmentalparameter detection means 20, and records such moving-picture imageinformation and environmental parameters on a recording medium R asrecorded information, a medium playback means 1 which reads out therecorded information from the recording medium R, a time perioddiscriminating means 21 which receives the environmental parameters fromthe recorded information read out by the medium playback means 1, anddiscriminates time periods during which these environmental parametersagree with certain pre-set conditions, and a playback display means 3which plays back and displays moving-picture image information containedin the recorded information in accordance with the results of thediscrimination performed by the time period discriminating means 21.

[0074]FIG. 10 is a block diagram which illustrates the tenth embodimentof the invention.

[0075] The tenth embodiment is characterized by the fact that in theelectronic camera of the ninth embodiment, the environmental parameterdetection means 20 is equipped with an infrared radiation detectionmeans 22 which detects infrared radiation from an imaged object field,and a temperature detection means 23 which detects the temperature ofthe object in accordance with the infrared radiation detected by theinfrared radiation detection means 22, and uses this temperature of theobject as an environmental parameter, by the fact that the time perioddiscriminating means 21 receives the temperature of the object from therecorded information read out by the medium playback means 1, anddiscriminates periods in which the temperature of the object is within apredetermined temperature range, and the playback display means 3 playsback and displays moving-picture image information contained in therecorded information only during the periods discriminated by the timeperiod discriminating means 21 or during time periods other than theperiods discriminated by the time period discriminating means 21.

[0076] In the image playback device of FIG. 1, recorded information isread out from the recording medium R via the medium playback means 1.

[0077] The time period discriminating means 2 discriminates thisrecorded information using pre-set conditions, and determines timeperiods in which the recorded information shows agreement with theseconditions within the playback period of the recorded information.

[0078] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationin accordance with the results of such a discrimination.

[0079] Furthermore, it is sufficient if the playback display means 3used here is a means which produces an image output, etc., that isprovided to an image display device; it is not necessary to include suchan image display device itself.

[0080] In the image playback device of FIG. 2, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is constructed from a sound quantity detectionmeans 4 and a silence discriminating means 5.

[0081] This sound quantity detection means 4 inputs audio informationfrom the recorded information, and detects the sound quantity of thisaudio information.

[0082] The silence discriminating means 5 discriminates silent periodsin which the above-mentioned sound quantity drops below a predeterminedsound quantity.

[0083] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded information,with the above-mentioned silent periods omitted.

[0084] As a result of such an action, moving-picture image informationcan be played back and displayed with an emphasis on conversationalportions or narration portions contained in the recorded information.Accordingly, the operator can obtain a rough grasp of the contents ofthe recorded information (story or flow of conversation) without playingback the recorded information over the entire time period of thisrecorded information.

[0085] In the image playback device of FIG. 3, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is constructed from a speaker characteristicfeature extracting means 6 and a speaker discriminating means 7.

[0086] The speaker characteristic feature extracting means 6 inputsaudio information from the recorded information, and detectscharacteristic feature parameters (long-term spectrum averages or meanpitch frequencies) of this audio information.

[0087] The speaker discriminating means 7 discriminates periods in whichthese characteristic feature parameters agree with registeredcharacteristic feature parameters within a permissible range.

[0088] The playback display device 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture contained in the recorded information only during theseperiods of agreement.

[0089] As a result of such an action, moving-picture image informationcan be played back and displayed with an emphasis on conversations ofspecified speakers, etc., within the recorded information. Accordingly,the operator can observe moving-picture image information with anemphasis on specified speakers.

[0090] In the image playback device of FIG. 4, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is constructed from a brightness differencedetection means 8 and a backlighting discriminating means 9.

[0091] This brightness difference detection means 8 inputsmoving-picture image information from the recorded information, anddetects differences in the brightness level between central andperipheral portions of the image screen.

[0092] The backlighting discriminating means 9 discriminatesbacklighting periods (in which imaging is performed in a backlit state)based on the brightness level differences.

[0093] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded information,with the backlighting periods omitted.

[0094] As a result of such an action, moving-picture image informationis played back and displayed with portions consisting of backlit imagingomitted. Accordingly, the operator can observe moving-picture imageinformation with periods of faulty imaging, etc., caused by backlightingomitted.

[0095] In the image playback device of FIG. 5, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is constructed from a movement detection means 10and a panning discriminating means 11.

[0096] The movement detection means 10 inputs moving-picture imageinformation from the recorded information, and detects movement vectorsbetween moving-picture frames.

[0097] The panning discriminating means 11 discriminates panning periods(in which the image screen as a whole moves horizontally) from themovement vectors.

[0098] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationonly during such panning periods or during time periods other than thesepanning periods.

[0099] Here, in cases where playback and display are performed onlyduring panning periods, the operator can view moving-picture imageinformation with an emphasis on scenes from car windows, etc.

[0100] On the other hand, in cases where playback and display areperformed only during time periods other than panning periods, theoperator can view moving-picture image information with unnecessarypanning portions (generated when scenes separated by a distance areconnected), etc., excluded.

[0101] In the image playback device of FIG. 6, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is constructed from a contrast detection means 12and a low-contrast discriminating means 13.

[0102] The above-mentioned contrast detection means 12 inputsmoving-picture image information from the recorded information, anddetects the contrast of this moving-picture image information.

[0103] The low-contrast discriminating means 13 discriminateslow-contrast periods in which the contrast drops below a predeterminedthreshold value.

[0104] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded information,with the low-contrast periods omitted.

[0105] As a result of this action, moving-picture image information isplayed back and displayed with low-contrast portions omitted.Accordingly, the operator can view moving-picture image information withlow-contrast portions in which the main object of imaging is not present(as in images of blank walls, for example) omitted.

[0106] In the image playback device of FIG. 7, the time perioddiscriminating means 2 is constructed from a flesh tone detection means14 and an absence-of-persons discriminating means 15.

[0107] The flesh tone detection means 14 inputs moving-picture imageinformation from the recorded information, and detects regionscorresponding to flesh tones (hereafter referred to as “flesh toneregions”) within the image screen.

[0108] The absence-of-persons discriminating means 15 discriminatesperiods of absence of persons in which the flesh tone regions drop belowa prescribed area.

[0109] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationonly during such periods of absence of persons or during time periodsother than these periods of absence of persons.

[0110] Here, in cases where playback and display are performed onlyduring periods of absence of persons, the operator can viewmoving-picture image information with an emphasis on portions of theimage information in which no persons are present, such as backgroundimages, etc.

[0111] On the other hand, in cases where playback and display areperformed only during time periods other than the above-mentionedperiods of absence of persons, the operator can view moving-pictureimage information with an emphasis on portions of the image informationin which persons are imaged.

[0112] In the electronic camera of FIG. 8, the imaging parameterdetection means 17 detects imaging parameters which indicate theconditions of the imaging optical system L, etc., during imaging.

[0113] The medium recording means 18 records such imaging parameters onthe recording medium R together with moving-picture image information.

[0114] At the time of playback, the time period discriminating means 19inputs at least one imaging parameter from the recorded information thatis read out. The time period discriminating means 19 discriminates suchimaging parameters using pre-set conditions, and determines time periodsin which the parameters agree with these conditions within the playbackperiod of the recorded information.

[0115] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationin accordance with the results of such a discrimination.

[0116] Furthermore, it is sufficient if the playback display means 3used here is a means which produces an image output, etc., that isprovided to an image display device; it is not particularly necessary toinclude such an image display device itself.

[0117] In one the implementations of the eighth embodiment, focal pointadjustment conditions of the imaging optical system L are recordedtogether with moving-picture image information at the time of imaging.

[0118] The time period discriminating means 19 inputs the focal pointadjustment conditions from the recorded information, and discriminatesout-of-focus periods in which the focal point adjustment conditions showan out-of-focus state.

[0119] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information only during time periods other thansuch out-of-focus periods.

[0120] As a result of such an action, moving-picture image informationis played back and displayed with out-of-focus portions omitted.Accordingly, the operator can view moving-picture image information withperiods of faulty imaging, etc., caused by improper focusing omitted.

[0121] Furthermore, in regard to the above-mentioned focal pointadjustment conditions, it is possible to use either a numerical valuewhich indicates the amount of defocusing, etc., or flag informationwhich indicates whether or not an out-of-focus state exists, etc.

[0122] In another implementation of the eighth embodiment, the lensposition of the imaging optical system L is recorded together withmoving-picture image information at the time of imaging.

[0123] At the time of playback, the time period discriminating means 19inputs the lens position from the recorded information, anddiscriminates point-blank periods in which this lens position shows aposition at the point-blank end.

[0124] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information only during time periods other thanthese point-blank periods.

[0125] As a result of such an action, moving-picture image informationis played back and displayed with portions imaged under conditions inwhich the lens position of the imaging optical system L is at thepoint-blank end omitted. Accordingly, moving-picture image informationcan be viewed with images of obstacles, etc., passing immediately infront of the electronic camera omitted.

[0126] In another implementation of the eighth embodiment, the lensposition of the imaging optical system L is recorded together withmoving-picture image information at the time of imaging.

[0127] At the time of playback, the time period discriminating means 19inputs the lens position from the recorded information, anddiscriminates periods of infinite distance in which this lens positionshows a position at the infinite distance end.

[0128] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information only during such periods of infinitedistance or during time periods other than such periods of infinitedistance.

[0129] Here, in cases where playback and display are performed onlyduring the periods of infinite distance, the operator can viewmoving-picture image information with an emphasis on objects that areimaged at the infinite distance end, such as scenery, etc.

[0130] On the other hand, in cases where playback and display areperformed only during time periods other than the periods of infinitedistance, the operator can view moving-picture image information withobjects of imaging that are imaged at the infinite distance end, such asscenery, etc., omitted.

[0131] In the electronic camera of FIG. 9, the environmental parameterdetection means 20 detects environmental parameters indicative of thesurrounding environment at the time of imaging.

[0132] The medium recording means 18 records such environmentalparameters on the recording medium R together with moving-picture imageinformation.

[0133] At the time of playback, the time period discriminating means 21inputs the environmental parameters from the recorded information thatis read out. The time period discriminating means discriminates theseenvironmental parameters using pre-set conditions, and determinesperiods in which these parameters show agreement with theabove-mentioned conditions during the playback period of the recordedinformation.

[0134] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationin accordance with the results of such a discrimination.

[0135] Furthermore, it is sufficient if the playback display means 3used here is a means which produces an image output, etc., that isprovided to an image display device; it is not particularly necessary toinclude such an image display device itself.

[0136] In the electronic camera of FIG. 10, the environmental parameterdetection means 20 is constructed from an infrared radiation detectionmeans 22 and a temperature detection means 23.

[0137] The infrared radiation detection means 22 detects infraredradiation from the image field at the time of imaging.

[0138] The temperature detection means 23 detects a numerical valuewhich is convertible into the surface temperature of the object(hereafter, this numerical value will be referred to as the “temperatureof the object”) based on the above-mentioned infrared radiation.

[0139] The medium recording means 18 records this temperature of theobject on the recording medium R together with moving-picture imageinformation.

[0140] At the time of playback, the time period discriminating means 21inputs the temperature of the object from the recorded information. Thetime period discriminating means 21 discriminates periods during whichthe temperature of the object is within a predetermined temperaturerange.

[0141] The playback display means 3 plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationonly during the periods discriminated by the time period discriminatingmeans 21 or during time periods other than the periods discriminated bythe time period discriminating means 21.

[0142] As a result of such an action, moving-picture image informationcan be viewed with an emphasis on objects that exhibit a temperaturewithin a specified range, or on objects other than such objects.

[0143] Illustrative implementations of the invention will now bedescribed.

[0144]FIG. 11 is a block diagram which illustrates a first illustrativeimplementation of the invention (corresponding to FIG. 2).

[0145]FIG. 12 is a perspective view which illustrates the externalappearance of the present illustrative implementation of the invention.

[0146] In these figures, a disk drive part 33 in which anoptical-magnetic recording medium 32 is mounted in a freely detachablemanner is installed in the image playback device 31. This disk drivepart 33 is connected to a microprocessor 35 via a system bus 34.

[0147] Furthermore, a memory 36, an image expansion part 37, a displaymemory 38, an audio D/A conversion part 39 and a sound quantitydetection part 40 a are individually connected to the system bus 34.

[0148] A liquid crystal display part 42 is connected to the displaymemory 38 via a liquid crystal driving circuit 41.

[0149] A speaker 44 is connected to the audio D/A conversion part 39 viaan audio amplifier 43.

[0150] The output of the sound quantity detection part 40 a is inputinto the micro-processor 35 via a silence discriminating part 45 a.

[0151] Furthermore, a playback button 46 is installed in the housing ofthe image playback device 31, and the output of this playback button 46is input into the micro-processor 35.

[0152] Here, in regard to the correspondence between the invention shownin FIG. 2 and the first illustrative implementation of the inventionshown in FIG. 11, the medium playback means 1 corresponds to the diskdrive part 33, the time period discriminating means 2 corresponds to thesound quantity detection part 40 a and silence discriminating part 45 a,and the playback display means 3 corresponds to the image expansion part37, display memory 38, liquid crystal driving circuit 41 and themicroprocessor 35.

[0153] The operation of the first illustrative implementation of theinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 through 13.

[0154] First, when the main power supply of the image playback device 31is switched on, the micro-processor enters a waiting state until theplayback button 46 is switched on.

[0155] When the playback button 46 is switched on (FIG. 13 S1) in thisstate, the micro-processor 35 instructs the disk drive part 33 to readout image files.

[0156] The disk drive part 33 reads out image files from theoptical-magnetic recording medium 32, and successively stores theseimage files in the memory 36 (FIG. 13 S2).

[0157] Meanwhile, the micro-processor 35 resets the playback framenumbers of the image files stored at prescribed addresses in the memory36 (FIG. 13 S3).

[0158] The sound quantity detection part 40 a inputs audio information(recorded in synchronization with the images having the above-mentionedplayback frame numbers) from the image files at fixed intervals, anddetects the sound quantity level of this audio information (FIG. 13 S4).

[0159] The silence discriminating part 45 a ascertains whether or notthe above-mentioned sound quantity level has dropped below apredetermined threshold value (FIG. 13 S5).

[0160] Here, if the sound quantity level exceeds the above-mentionedpredetermined threshold value (NO side of FIG. 13 S5), themicro-processor 35 instructs the image expansion part 37 to performimage expansion. The image expansion part 37 inputs moving-picture imageinformation indicated by the above-mentioned playback frame numbers fromthe image files, performs image expansion, and stores the information inthe display memory 38 (FIG. 13 S6).

[0161] The liquid crystal driving circuit 41 reads out themoving-picture image information in the display memory 38 at the rate ofevery other frame period, and displays this information on the liquidcrystal display part 42 (FIG. 13 S7). In this case, audio informationwhich is synchronized with the moving-picture image information isplayed back together with the moving-picture image information by meansof the audio D/A conversion part 39 and audio amplifier 43.

[0162] On the other hand, in cases where the sound quantity level isbelow the above-mentioned predetermined threshold value (YES side ofFIG. 13 S5), the image expansion part 37 performs only intra-frame imageexpansion, and the resulting information is temporarily recorded in aworking memory within the image expansion part 37 (FIG. 13 S8). Theseintra-frame images are images obtained by intra-frame compression atfixed frame intervals within the moving-picture image information, andare images necessary for the image expansion of other images (imagessubjected to inter-frame compression).

[0163] Following the completion of such processing (FIG. 13 S7 or S8),the micro-processor 35 advances the playback frame number by one step(FIG. 13 S9).

[0164] Here, in cases where the playback of the moving-picture imageinformation has not been completed (NO side of FIG. 13 S10), theoperation returns to the processing of FIG. 13 S4, and the operationsdescribed above are repeated.

[0165] On the other hand, when the playback of moving-picture imageinformation is completed to the last frame number (YES side of FIG. 13S10), the image file playback operation is completed. Furthermore, atthis time, the temporary recording of intra-frame images is also erased.

[0166] As a result of the above operation, image files are not playedback and displayed in the case of silent periods in which the soundquantity level is below the above-mentioned threshold value; instead,only the playback frame numbers increase at a high rate. Accordingly,moving-picture image information in time periods other than theabove-mentioned silent periods can be selectively played back anddisplayed.

[0167] Furthermore, as a result of such playback and display, imagefiles can be played back and displayed with an emphasis onconversational portions or narration portions, etc., contained in theimage files. Accordingly, the operator can obtain a quick grasp of theflow of stories or conversation, etc., without having to view all of theimage files.

[0168]FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a second illustrative implementationof the invention (corresponding to FIG. 3).

[0169] The structural special features of the second illustrativeimplementation of the invention are as follows:

[0170] (1) A speaker characteristic feature extracting part 40 b and aspeaker discriminating part 45 b are respectively installed instead ofthe sound quantity detection part 40 a and silence discriminating part45 a shown in FIG. 11.

[0171] (2) A speaker registration button 47 is installed in the housingof the image playback device 31, and the output of this speakerregistration button 47 is input into the speaker discriminating part 45b.

[0172] Constituent elements which are the same as constituent elementsshown in FIG. 11 are labeled with the same reference numbers in FIG. 14,and a description of the construction of such elements is omitted here.

[0173] Here, in regard to the correspondence between the invention shownin FIG. 3 and the second illustrative implementation of the inventionshown in FIG. 14, the medium playback means 1 corresponds to the diskdrive part 33, the time period discriminating means 2 corresponds to thespeaker characteristic feature extracting part 40 b and speakerdiscriminating part 45 b, and the playback display means 3 correspondsto the image expansion part 37, display memory 38, liquid crystaldriving circuit 41 and the micro-processor 35.

[0174] The operation of the second illustrative implementation of theinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0175] First, when the main power supply of the image playback device 31is switched on, the micro-processor 35 enters a waiting state until theplayback button 46 is switched on.

[0176] When the playback button 46 is switched on (FIG. 15 S1) in thisstate, the micro-processor 35 instructs the disk drive part 33 to readout image files.

[0177] The disk drive part 33 reads out image files from theoptical-magnetic recording medium 32, and successively stores theseimage files in the memory 36 (FIG. 15 S2).

[0178] Meanwhile, the micro-processor 35 resets the playback framenumbers of the image files stored at prescribed addresses in the memory36 (FIG. 15 S3).

[0179] The speaker characteristic feature extracting part 40 b inputsaudio information (recorded in synchronization with the images havingthe above-mentioned playback frame numbers) from the image files in thememory 36 at fixed intervals, and detects universally known long-termspectrum averages (FIG. 15 S4).

[0180] When the speaker registration button 47 is pressed in this state(FIG. 15 S5), the speaker discriminating part 45 b stores the detectedlong-term spectrum average data as registered data (FIG. 15 S6).

[0181] Here, the speaker discriminating part 45 b ascertains whether ornot detected long-term spectrum average data agrees with theabove-mentioned registered data within a permissible range (FIG. 15 S7). Furthermore, in cases where the registered data has not beenregistered, the speaker discriminating part 45 b makes a uniformjudgement of “agreement”.

[0182] If characteristic feature parameters show agreement within apermissible range (YES side of FIG. 15 S7), the micro-processor 35instructs the image expansion part 37 to perform image expansion. Theimage expansion part 37 inputs moving-picture image information(indicated by playback frame numbers) from image files, performs imageexpansion, and transfers the information to the display memory 38 (FIG.15 S8).

[0183] The liquid crystal driving circuit 41 reads out themoving-picture image information in the display memory 38 at the rate ofevery other frame period, and displays this information on the liquidcrystal display part 42 (FIG. 15 S9). In this case, audio informationwhich is synchronized with the moving-picture image information isplayed back together with the moving-picture image information by meansof the audio D/A conversion part 39 and audio amplifier 43.

[0184] In cases where the long-term spectrum average data does not agreewith the registered data within the above-mentioned permissible range(NO side of FIG. 15 S7), the image expansion part 37 expands only theintra-frame images required for the image expansion of the preceding andfollowing frames. This intra-frame image [information] is temporarilyrecorded in the image expansion part 37 (FIG. 15 S10). Here, since theintra-frame images are not stored in the display memory 38, these imagesare not played back and displayed.

[0185] After such processing (FIG. 15 S9 or S10) has been completed, themicro-processor 35 advances the playback frame number by one step (FIG.15 S11).

[0186] Here, in cases where the playback of the moving-picture imageinformation has not been completed (NO side of FIG. 15 S12), theoperation returns to the processing of FIG. 15 S4, and the operationsdescribed above are repeated.

[0187] On the other hand, when the playback of moving-picture imageinformation is completed to the last frame number (YES side of FIG. 15S12), the image file playback operation is completed. Furthermore, atthis time, the temporary recording of intra-frame images is also erased.

[0188] As a result of the above operation, image files are not playedback and displayed during time periods other than periods ofconversation by specified speakers; instead, only the frame numberschange at a high rate. Consequently, playback and display are performedwith an emphasis on moving-picture image information corresponding toperiods of conversation by specified speakers.

[0189] Accordingly, the operator can view moving-picture imageinformation selectively, with an emphasis on conversation by specifiedspeakers.

[0190]FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a third illustrative implementationof the invention (corresponding to FIG. 4).

[0191] In structural terms, this third illustrative implementation ofthe invention is characterized by the fact that a brightness differencedetection part 40 c and a backlighting discriminating part 45 c arerespectively installed instead of the sound quantity detection part 40 aand silence discriminating part 45 a shown in FIG. 11.

[0192] Furthermore, constituent elements which are the same asconstituent elements shown in FIG. 11 are labeled with the samereference numbers in FIG. 16, and a description of the construction ofsuch elements is omitted here.

[0193] Here, in regard to the correspondence between the invention shownin FIG. 4 and the third illustrative implementation of the inventionshown in FIG. 16, the medium playback means 1 corresponds to the diskdrive part 33, the time period discriminating means 2 corresponds to thebrightness difference detection part 40 c and backlightingdiscriminating part 45 c, and the playback display means 3 correspondsto the image expansion part 37, display memory 38, liquid crystaldriving circuit 41 and of the micro-processor 35.

[0194] The operation of the third illustrative implementation of theinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0195] First, when the main power supply of the image playback device 31is switched on, the micro-processor 35 enters a waiting state until theplayback button 46 is switched on.

[0196] When the playback button 46 is switched on (FIG. 17 S1) in thisstate, the micro-processor 35 instructs the disk drive part 33 to readout image files. The disk drive part 33 reads out image files from theoptical-magnetic recording medium 32, and successively stores theseimage files in the memory 36 (FIG. 17 S2).

[0197] Meanwhile, the micro-processor 35 resets the playback framenumbers of the image files stored at prescribed addresses in the memory36 (FIG. 17 S3).

[0198] Here, the micro-processor 35 instructs the image expansion part37 to perform image expansion of intra-frame images. The image expansionpart 37 inputs intra-frame images indicated by the playback framenumbers from image files in the memory 36, and performs image expansionon these intra-frame images (FIG. 17 S4).

[0199] The brightness difference detection part 40 c inputs theintra-frame images following image expansion, and detects differences inthe brightness level between central and peripheral portions of theimage screen (FIG. 17 S5).

[0200] The backlighting discriminating part 45 c ascertains whether ornot such brightness level differences exceed a predetermined thresholdvalue (FIG. 17 S6).

[0201] Here, in cases where the brightness level differences are lessthan the above-mentioned threshold value (NO side of FIG. 17 S6), themicro-processor 35 instructs the image expansion part 37 to performimage expansion up to the point immediately preceding the nextintra-frame image. The image expansion part 37 successively performsimage expansion up to the next intra-frame image, and stores theresulting image information in the display memory 38 (FIG. 17 S7).

[0202] The liquid crystal driving circuit 41 reads out themoving-picture image information in the display memory 38 at the rate ofevery other frame period, and displays this information on the liquidcrystal display part 42 (FIG. 17 S8). In this case, audio informationwhich is synchronized with the moving-picture image information isplayed back together with the moving-picture image information by meansof the audio D/A conversion part 39 and audio amplifier 43.

[0203] When image expansion up to the point immediately preceding thenext intra-frame image is completed in the image expansion part 37, themicro-processor 35 advances the playback frame number to the framenumber of the next intra-frame image (FIG. 17 S9).

[0204] In cases where the above-mentioned brightness level differencesexceed the threshold value (YES side of FIG. 17 S6), the playback anddisplay processing (FIG. 17 S7 and S8) is not performed. As a result, inFIG. 17 S9, only the playback frame number is advanced to the framenumber of the next intra-frame image.

[0205] In cases where the playback of moving-picture image informationis not completed following the above series of operations (NO side ofFIG. 17 S10), the operation returns to the processing of FIG. 17 S4, andthe above operations are repeated.

[0206] On the other hand, when the playback of moving-picture imageinformation is completed to the last frame number (YES side of FIG. 17S10), the image file playback operation is completed. Furthermore, atthis time, the temporary recording of intra-frame images is also erased.

[0207] As a result of the above operation, image files are played backand displayed with backlighting periods (in which the brightness leveldifference exceeds the above-mentioned threshold value) omitted.Accordingly, the operator can view moving-picture image information withfaulty imaging portions caused by backlighting omitted.

[0208]FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a fourth illustrative implementationof the invention (corresponding to FIG. 5).

[0209] In structural terms, this fourth illustrative implementation ofthe invention is characterized by the fact that a movement detectionpart 40 d and a panning discriminating part 45 d are respectivelyinstalled instead of the sound quantity detection part 40 a and silencediscriminating part 45 a shown in FIG. 11.

[0210] Furthermore, constituent elements which are the same asconstituent elements shown in FIG. 11 are labeled with the samereference numbers in FIG. 18, and a description of the construction ofsuch elements is omitted here.

[0211] Here, in regard to the correspondence between the invention shownin FIG. 5 and the fourth illustrative implementation of the inventionshown in FIG. 18, the medium playback means 1 corresponds to the diskdrive part 33, the time period discriminating means 2 corresponds to themovement detection part 40 d and panning discriminating part 45 d, andthe playback display means 3 corresponds to the image expansion part 37,display memory 38, liquid crystal driving circuit 41 and of themicro-processor 35.

[0212] The operation of the fourth illustrative implementation of theinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0213] First, when the main power supply of the image playback device 31is switched on, the micro-processor 35 enters a waiting state until theplayback button 46 is switched on.

[0214] When the playback button 46 is switched on (FIG. 19 S1) in thisstate, the micro-processor 35 instructs the disk drive part 33 to readout image files. The disk drive part 33 reads out image files from theoptical-magnetic recording medium 32, and successively stores theseimage files in the memory 36 (FIG. 19 S2).

[0215] Meanwhile, the micro-processor 35 resets the playback framenumbers of the image files stored at prescribed addresses in the memory36 (FIG. 19 S3).

[0216] The movement detection part 40 d acquires universally knownmovement vectors from the moving-picture image information indicated bythe playback frame numbers (FIG. 19 S4). These movement vectors consistof vector information which digitizes the movement in images betweenframes when inter-frame compression of the moving-picture imageinformation is performed. Since these movement vectors are also used forimage expansion during playback, the vectors are assigned tomoving-picture image information following compression, and arerecorded.

[0217] The panning discriminating part 45 d ascertains from theabove-mentioned movement vectors whether or not the screen as a whole isin the process of parallel movement (FIG. 19 S5).

[0218] Here, in cases where the screen as a whole is not undergoingparallel movement (NO side of FIG. 19 S5), the micro-processor 35instructs the image expansion part 37 to perform image expansion. Theimage expansion part 37 inputs the moving-picture image informationindicated by the playback frame numbers from the image files, performsimage expansion, and stores the resulting image information in thedisplay memory 38 (FIG. 19 S6).

[0219] The liquid crystal driving circuit 41 reads out themoving-picture image information in the display memory 38 at the rate ofevery other frame period, and displays this information on the liquidcrystal display part 42 (FIG. 19 S7). In this case, audio informationwhich is synchronized with the moving-picture image information isplayed back together with the moving-picture image information by meansof the audio D/A conversion part 39 and audio amplifier 43.

[0220] In cases where the screen as a whole is in the process ofhorizontal movement (YES side of FIG. 19 S5), the image expansion part37 expands only the intra-frame images, and the resulting imageinformation is temporarily stored in a working memory contained in theimage expansion part 37 (FIG. 19 S8). These intra-frame images are usedfor image expansion of the preceding and following frames, and are notplayed back and displayed.

[0221] After such processing (FIG. 19 S7 or S8) has been completed, themicro-processor 35 advances the playback frame number by one step (FIG.19 S19).

[0222] Here, in cases where the playback of the moving-picture imageinformation has not been completed (NO side of FIG. 19 S10), theoperation returns to the processing of FIG. 19 S4, and the operationsdescribed above are repeated.

[0223] On the other hand, when the playback of moving-picture imageinformation is completed with frame number reaching the last number (YESside of FIG. 19 S10), the image file playback operation is completed.Furthermore, at this time, the temporary recording of intra-frame imagesis also erased.

[0224] As a result of the above operation, image files are played backand displayed with panning periods omitted. Accordingly, the operatorcan view moving-picture image information with panning portions(inserted incidentally for the purpose of connecting scenes) omitted.

[0225]FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of a fifth illustrativeimplementation of the invention (corresponding to FIG. 6).

[0226] In structural terms, this fifth illustrative implementation ofthe invention is characterized by the fact that a contrast detectionpart 40 e and a low-contrast discriminating part 45 e are respectivelyinstalled instead of the sound quantity detection part 40 a and silencediscriminating part 45 a shown in FIG. 11.

[0227] Furthermore, constituent elements which are the same asconstituent elements shown in FIG. 11 are labeled with the samereference numbers in FIG. 20, and a description of the construction ofsuch elements is omitted here.

[0228] Here, in regard to the correspondence between the invention shownin FIG. 6 and the fifth illustrative implementation of the inventionshown in FIG. 20, the medium playback means 1 corresponds to the diskdrive part 33, the time period discriminating means 2 corresponds to thecontrast detection part 40 e and low-contrast discriminating part 45 e,and the playback display means 3 corresponds to the image expansion part37, display memory 38, liquid crystal driving circuit 41 and themicro-processor 35.

[0229] The operation of the fifth illustrative implementation of theinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0230] First, when the main power supply of the image playback device 31is switched on, the micro-processor 35 enters a waiting state until theplayback button 46 is switched on.

[0231] When the playback button 46 is switched on (FIG. 21 S1) in thisstate, the micro-processor 35 instructs the disk drive part 33 to readout image files.

[0232] The disk drive part 33 reads out image files from theoptical-magnetic recording medium 32, and successively stores theseimage files in the memory 36 (FIG. 21 S2).

[0233] Meanwhile, the micro-processor 35 resets the playback framenumbers of the image files stored at prescribed addresses in the memory36 (FIG. 21 S3).

[0234] Here, the micro-processor 35 instructs the image expansion part37 to perform image expansion on intra-frame images. The image expansionpart 37 inputs the intra-frame images indicated by the playback framenumbers from the image files, and performs image expansion on theseintra-frame images (FIG. 21 S4).

[0235] The contrast detection part 40 e inputs intra-frame imagesfollowing image expansion, extracts the high-region components of thespace frequency, and detects the amount of contrast (FIG. 21 S5).

[0236] The low-contrast discriminating part 45 e ascertains whether ornot this amount of contrast is less than a predetermined threshold value(FIG. 21 S6).

[0237] Here, in cases where the amount of contrast exceeds theabove-mentioned threshold value (NO side of FIG. 21 S6), themicro-processor 35 instructs the image expansion part 37 to performimage expansion up to the point immediately preceding the nextintra-frame image. The image expansion part 37 successively performsimage expansion up to the next intra-frame image, and stores theresulting image information in the display memory 38 (FIG. 21 S7).

[0238] The liquid crystal driving circuit 41 reads out themoving-picture image information in the display memory 38 at the rate ofevery other frame period, and displays this information on the liquidcrystal display part 42 (FIG. 21 S8). In this case, audio informationwhich is synchronized with the moving-picture image information isplayed back together with the moving-picture image information by meansof the audio D/A conversion part 39 and audio amplifier 43.

[0239] When image expansion up to the point immediately preceding thenext intra-frame image is completed in the image expansion part 37, themicro-processor 35 advances the playback frame number to the framenumber of the next intra-frame image (FIG. 21 S9).

[0240] In cases where the above-mentioned amount of contrast is lessthan the threshold value (YES side of FIG. 21 S6), the playback anddisplay processing (FIG. 21 S7 and S8) is not performed. As a result, inFIG. 21 S9, only the playback frame number is advanced to the framenumber of the next intra-frame image.

[0241] In cases where the playback of moving-picture image informationis not completed after the above series of operations has been completed(NO side of FIG. 21 S10), the operation returns to the processing ofFIG. 21 S4, and the above operations are repeated.

[0242] On the other hand, when the playback of moving-picture imageinformation is completed with frame number reaching the last number (YESside of FIG. 21 S10), the image file playback operation is completed.Furthermore, at this time, the temporary recording of intra-frame imagesis also erased.

[0243] As a result of the above operation, image files are played backand displayed with low-contrast periods (in which the amount of contrastis less than the above-mentioned threshold value) omitted. Accordingly,the operator can view moving-picture image information with scenes ofwalls, etc. (in which the main objects are not imaged) omitted.

[0244]FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram of a sixth illustrativeimplementation of the invention (corresponding to FIG. 7).

[0245] In structural terms, this sixth illustrative implementation ofthe invention is characterized by the fact that a flesh tone detectionpart 40 f and an absence-of-persons discriminating part 45 f arerespectively installed instead of the sound quantity detection part 40 aand silence discriminating part 45 a shown in FIG. 11.

[0246] Furthermore, constituent elements which are the same asconstituent elements shown in FIG. 11 are labeled with the samereference numbers in FIG. 22, and a description of the construction ofsuch elements is omitted here.

[0247] Here, in regard to the correspondence between the invention shownin FIG. 7 and the sixth illustrative implementation of the inventionshown in FIG. 22, the medium playback means 1 corresponds to the diskdrive part 33, the time period discriminating means 2 corresponds to theflesh tone detection part 40 f and absence-of-persons discriminatingpart 45 f, and the playback display means 3 corresponds to the imageexpansion part 37, display memory 38, liquid crystal driving circuit 41and the microprocessor 35.

[0248] The operation of the sixth illustrative implementation of theinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23.

[0249] First, when the main power supply of the image playback device 31is switched on, the micro-processor 35 enters a waiting state until theplayback button 46 is switched on.

[0250] When the playback button 46 is switched on (FIG. 23 S1) in thisstate, the micro-processor 35 instructs the disk drive part 33 to readout image files.

[0251] The disk drive part 33 reads out image files from theoptical-magnetic recording medium 32, and successively stores theseimage files in the memory 36 (FIG. 23 S2).

[0252] Meanwhile, the micro-processor 35 resets the playback framenumbers of the image files stored at prescribed addresses in the memory36 (FIG. 23 S3).

[0253] Here, the micro-processor 35 instructs the image expansion part37 to perform image expansion on intra-frame images. The image expansionpart 37 inputs the intra-frame images indicated by the playback framenumbers from the image files in the memory 36, and performs imageexpansion on these intra-frame images (FIG. 23 S4).

[0254] The flesh tone detection part 40 f inputs intra-frame imagesfollowing image expansion, extracts image regions which resemble fleshtones (flesh tone regions), and counts the number of pixels in suchflesh tone regions (FIG. 23 S5).

[0255] The absence-of-persons discriminating part 45 f ascertainswhether or not the number of pixels of the above-mentioned flesh toneregions is less than a predetermined threshold value (FIG. 23 S6).

[0256] Here, in cases where the number of pixels of the above-mentionedflesh tone regions exceeds the above-mentioned threshold value (NO sideof FIG. 23 S6), the micro-processor 35 instructs the image expansionpart 37 to perform image expansion up to the point immediately precedingthe next intra-frame image. The image expansion part 37 successivelyperforms image expansion up to the next intra-frame image, and storesthe resulting image information in the display memory 38 (FIG. 23 S7).

[0257] The liquid crystal driving circuit 41 reads out themoving-picture image information in the display memory 38 at the rate ofevery other frame period, and displays this information on the liquidcrystal display part 42 (FIG. 23 S8). In this case, audio informationwhich is synchronized with the moving-picture image information isplayed back together with the moving-picture image information by meansof the audio D/A conversion part 39 and audio amplifier 43.

[0258] When image expansion up to the point immediately preceding thenext intra-frame image is completed in the image expansion part 37, themicro-processor 35 advances the playback frame number to the framenumber of the next intra-frame image (FIG. 23 S9).

[0259] In cases where the number of pixels of the flesh tone regions isless than the above-mentioned threshold value (YES side of FIG. 23 S6),the playback and display processing (FIG. 23 S7 and S8) is notperformed. As a result, in FIG. 23 S9, only the playback frame number isadvanced to the frame number of the next intra-frame image.

[0260] In cases where the playback of moving-picture image informationis not completed after the above series of operations has been completed(NO side of FIG. 23 S10), the operation returns to the processing ofFIG. 23 S4, and the above operations are repeated.

[0261] On the other hand, when the playback of moving-picture imageinformation is completed with the frame number reaching the last number(YES side of FIG. 23 S10), the image file playback operation iscompleted. Furthermore, at this time, the temporary recording ofintra-frame images is also erased.

[0262] As a result of the above operation, image files are played backand displayed with periods of absence of persons (in which the fleshtone regions have less than a prescribed area) omitted.

[0263] Accordingly, the operator can view moving-picture imageinformation with an emphasis on scenes in which persons are imaged.

[0264]FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a seventh illustrativeimplementation of the invention (corresponding to FIG. 8).

[0265] In FIG. 24, a camera part 51 a is attached to the side surface ofthe main body of an electronic camera 51, and an imaging lens 52 whichfocuses an image of the object of imaging is mounted in this camera part51 a.

[0266] The optical axis of the imaging lens 52 is bent within the camerapart 51 a, and the light-receiving surface of an imaging element 53consisting of a CCD image sensor, etc., is installed on an extension ofthis optical axis.

[0267] The photoelectric output of the imaging element 53 is input viaan A/D conversion part 54 into a video signal processing part 55 whichperforms a white balance adjustment and gamma correction, etc.

[0268] The output of the video signal processing part 55 is input intoan image compression and expansion part 56 located within the main body;this image compression and expansion part 56 is connected with amicro-processor 58 via a system bus 57.

[0269] A memory 59, an audio D/A conversion part 60, a disk drive part61, a display memory 62 and a focus control part 65 are connected to theabove-mentioned system bus 57.

[0270] The output of the above-mentioned audio D/A conversion part 60 isinput into a speaker 60 b via an audio amplifier 60 a.

[0271] Furthermore, an optical-magnetic recording medium 61 a is mountedin a freely detachable manner in the disk drive part 61.

[0272] The display memory 62 is connected to a liquid crystal displaypart 64 via a liquid crystal driving circuit 63.

[0273] A focal point detection part 66 which detects the focal pointadjustment conditions of the imaging lens 52, and a lens positiondetection part 68 which detects the lens position of the imaging lens52, are connected to the input terminals of the focus control part 65.Furthermore, a focus control motor 69 which moves the imaging lensforward and backward is connected to the output terminal of the focuscontrol part 65.

[0274] The focus control part 65 controls the focus by driving the focuscontrol motor 69 in accordance with the amount of defocusing acquiredfrom the focal point detection part 66.

[0275] A record button 51 b, a playback button 51 c and an extractionmode selection dial 51 d are installed in the housing of the electroniccamera 51, and the outputs of these operating parts are respectivelyinput into the micro-processor 58.

[0276] Furthermore, in regard to the correspondence between theinvention shown in FIG. 8 and the seventh illustrative implementation ofthe invention shown in FIG. 24, the imaging means 16 corresponds to theimaging element 53, the imaging parameter detection means 17 correspondsto the focal point detection part 66 and lens position detection part68, the medium recording means 18 corresponds to the disk drive part 61,the time period discriminating means 19 corresponds to themicro-processor 58, the medium playback means 1 corresponds to the diskdrive part 61, and the playback display means 3 corresponds to the imagecompression and expansion part 56, display memory 62, liquid crystaldriving circuit 63 and the micro-processor 58.

[0277] The operation of the seventh illustrative implementation of theinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 through 26.

[0278] (Image Recording Operation)

[0279] First, when the main power supply is switched on, the electroniccamera 51 enters a waiting state until the playback button 51 c orrecord button 51 b is switched on.

[0280] When the playback button 51 c is switched on (FIG. 25 S1) in thisstate, the micro-processor 58 performs the operation indicated in FIG.26 S9 (which will be described later).

[0281] When the record button 51 b is switched on (FIG. 25 S2), themicro-processor 58 instructs the image compression and expansion part 56to begin image compression. The image compression and expansion part 56inputs moving-picture image information from the video signal processingpart 55, and performs image compression processing according to the MPEGstandard (FIG. 25 S3).

[0282] In parallel with such image compression, the micro-processor 58inputs the lens position and amount of defocusing of the imaging lens 52via the focus control part 65 (FIG. 25 S4 and S5).

[0283] The disk drive part 61 records the above-mentioned moving-pictureimage information, lens position and amount of defocusing together inimage files on the optical-magnetic recording medium 61 a (FIG. 25 S6).

[0284] In this state, the micro-processor 58 returns to FIG. 25 S3, andthe above-mentioned recording operation is repeated (NO side of FIG. 25S7) until the record button 51 b is pressed again.

[0285] When the record button 51 b is pressed again (YES side of FIG. 25S7), the micro-processor 58 returns to FIG. 25 S1 after performing finalprocessing such as the addition of control data (e. g., date and timedata, etc.) to the image file in preparation (FIG. 25 S8), so that therecording operation is completed.

[0286] (Playback Operation)

[0287] When the playback button 51 c is switched on (FIG. 25 S1) in theabove-mentioned waiting state, the micro-processor 58 instructs the diskdrive part 61 to read out image files. The disk drive part 61 reads outimage files from the optical-magnetic recording medium 61 a, andsuccessively stores these files in the memory 59 (FIG. 26 S9).

[0288] Next, the micro-processor 58 inputs the dial state of theextraction mode selection dial 51 d (FIG. 26 S10), and performs thefollowing operations in accordance with this dial state (FIG. 26 S11).

[0289] First, in cases where the dial state is “infinitely distant enddeletion mode”, the micro-processor 58 inputs the lens positioninformation from the image files in the memory 59 in playback order(FIG. 26 S12). Here, moving-picture image information which issynchronized with the lens position information is played back anddisplayed (FIG. 26 S14) only in cases where the lens position is not atthe infinitely distant end (FIG. 26 S13).

[0290] Furthermore, in cases where the dial state is “point-blank enddeletion mode”, the micro-processor 58 inputs the lens positioninformation from the image files in the memory 59 in playback order(FIG. 26 S15). Here, moving-picture image information which issynchronized with the lens position information is played back anddisplayed (FIG. 26 S17) only in cases where the lens position is not atthe point-blank end (FIG. 26 S16).

[0291] Moreover, in cases where the dial state is “out-of-focus deletionmode”, the micro-processor 58 inputs information indicating the amountof defocusing from the image files in the memory 59 in playback order(FIG. 26 S18). Here, moving-picture image information which issynchronized with the lens position information is played back anddisplayed (FIG. 26 S20) only in cases where the amount of defocusing iswithin the “focused” range (FIG. 26 S19).

[0292] In cases where the playback of moving-picture image informationis not completed after the above series of operations has been completed(NO side of FIG. 26 S21), the operation returns to the processing ofFIG. 26 S10, and the above operations are repeated.

[0293] On the other hand, when the playback of moving-picture imageinformation is completed (YES side of FIG. 26 S21), the image fileplayback operation is completed.

[0294] As a result of the above operations, image files are selectivelyplayed back and displayed in accordance with the conditions of theimaging lens 52 at the time of imaging. Accordingly, the operator canappropriately extract and view playback scenes in accordance with theconditions of the imaging lens 52.

[0295]FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a seventh illustrativeimplementation of the invention (corresponding to FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0296] In FIG. 27, a camera part 71 a is attached to the side surface ofthe main body of an electronic camera 71, and an imaging lens 72 whichfocuses an image of the object is mounted in this camera part 71 a.

[0297] The optical axis of the imaging lens 72 is bent within the camerapart 71 a, and the light-receiving surface of an imaging element 73consisting of a CCD image sensor, etc., is installed on an extension ofthis optical axis.

[0298] The photoelectric output of the imaging element 73 is input viaan A/D conversion part 74 into a video signal processing part 75 whichperforms a white balance adjustment and gamma correction, etc.

[0299] The output of the video signal processing part 75 is input intoan image compression and expansion part 76 located within the main body;this image compression and expansion part 76 is connected with amicro-processor 78 via a system bus 77.

[0300] A memory 79, an audio D/A conversion part 80, a disk drive part81, a display memory 82 and an imaging object temperature detection part85 are connected to the above-mentioned system bus 77.

[0301] The output of the above-mentioned audio D/A conversion part 80 isinput into a speaker 80 b via an audio amplifier 80 a.

[0302] Furthermore, an optical-magnetic recording medium 81 a is mountedin a freely detachable manner in the disk drive part 81.

[0303] The display memory 82 is connected to a liquid crystal displaypart 84 via a liquid crystal driving circuit 83.

[0304] An infrared imaging element 87 equipped with an infrared opticalsystem 86 is connected to the input terminal of the imaging objecttemperature detection part 85. Furthermore, an infrared imaging elementof the thermal type or quantum type, etc., is used as theabove-mentioned infrared imaging element 87.

[0305] A record button 71 b and a playback button 71 c are installed inthe housing of the electronic camera 71, and the outputs of theseoperating parts are input into the micro-processor 78.

[0306] Furthermore, in regard to the correspondence between theinventions shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the eighth illustrativeimplementation shown in FIG. 27, the imaging means 16 corresponds to theimaging element 73, the environmental parameter detection means 20corresponds to the infrared optical system 86, infrared imaging element87 and imaging object temperature detection part 85, the mediumrecording means 18 corresponds to the disk drive part 81, the timeperiod discriminating means 21 corresponds to the micro-processor 78,the medium playback means 1 corresponds to the disk drive part 81, andthe playback display means 3 corresponds to the image compression andexpansion part 76, display memory 82, liquid crystal driving circuit 83and the micro-processor 78.

[0307] The operation of the eighth illustrative implementation of theinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28.

[0308] (Image Recording Operation)

[0309] First, when the main power supply is switched on, the electroniccamera 71 enters a waiting state until the playback button 71 c orrecord button 71 b is switched on.

[0310] When the playback button 71 c is switched on (FIG. 28 S1) in thisstate, the micro-processor 78 performs the operation indicated in FIG.26 S8 (which will be described later).

[0311] When the record button 71 b is switched on (FIG. 28 S2), themicro-processor 78 instructs the image compression and expansion part 76to begin image compression. The image compression and expansion part 76inputs moving-picture image information from the video signal processingpart 75, and performs image compression processing according to the MPEGstandard (FIG. 28 S3).

[0312] In parallel with such image compression, the micro-processor 78instructs the imaging object temperature detection part 85 to detect thetemperature of the object. The object temperature detection part 85detects infrared radiation from the image field via the infrared imagingelement 87, and determines the temperature of the object of (FIG. 28S4).

[0313] The disk drive part 81 records the above-mentioned moving-pictureimage information and object temperature together in image files on theoptical-magnetic recording medium 81 a (FIG. 28 S5).

[0314] In this state, the micro-processor 78 returns to FIG. 28 S3, andthe above-mentioned recording operation is repeated (NO side of FIG. 28S6) until the record button 71 b is pressed again.

[0315] When the record button 71 b is pressed again (YES side of FIG. 28S6), the micro-processor 78 returns to FIG. 28 S1 after performing finalprocessing such as the addition of control data (e. g., date and timedata, etc.) to the image file in preparation (FIG. 28 S7), so that therecording operation is completed.

[0316] (Playback Operation)

[0317] When the playback button 71 c is switched on (FIG. 28 S1) in theabove-mentioned waiting state, the micro-processor 78 instructs the diskdrive part 81 to read out image files. The disk drive part 81 reads outimage files from the optical-magnetic recording medium 81 a, andsuccessively stores these files in the memory 79 (FIG. 28 S8).

[0318] Next, the micro-processor 78 inputs object temperatureinformation from the image files in the memory 79 in playback order(FIG. 28 S9).

[0319] Here, the micro-processor 78 ascertains whether or not thetemperature of the object is in the range of 30 to 40° C., which is thebody temperature range of a human being (FIG. 28 S10).

[0320] In cases where the temperature of the object is in theabove-mentioned body temperature range (YES side of FIG. 28 S10), themicro-processor 78 instructs the image compression and expansion part 76to perform image expansion. The image compression and expansion part 76inputs moving-picture image information synchronized with imaging objecttemperature information from the image files in the memory 79, performsimage expansion on this moving-picture image information, and recordsthe resulting image information in the display memory 82. The liquidcrystal driving circuit 83 inputs the moving-picture image informationfrom the display memory 82 in order, and displays this image informationon the liquid crystal display part 84 (FIG. 28 S11).

[0321] In cases where the temperature of the object is outside theabove-mentioned body temperature range (NO side of FIG. 28 S10),playback and display are not performed as described above.

[0322] In cases where the playback of moving-picture image informationis not completed after the above series of operations has been completed(NO side of FIG. 28 S12), the operation returns to the processing ofFIG. 28 S9, and the above operations are repeated.

[0323] On the other hand, when the playback of moving-picture imageinformation is completed (YES side of FIG. 28 S12), the image fileplayback operation is completed.

[0324] As a result of the above operations, image files are selectivelyplayed back and displayed only in cases where the temperature of theobject is in the human body temperature range. Accordingly, the operatorcan view moving-picture image information with an emphasis on scenes inwhich human beings are imaged.

[0325] In the illustrative implementation of the inventions describedabove, periods meeting certain conditions were discriminated, and imageinformation was played back and displayed only during these periods.However, the present invention is not limited to such a construction; itwould also be possible to perform such playback and display only duringtime periods other than the discriminated periods.

[0326] In the illustrative implementation of the inventions describedabove, only cases in which partial playback was performed automaticallywere described in order to simplify the description. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such a construction; for example, itwould also be possible for the operator to determine whether or notpartial playback is performed by operating a switch, etc.

[0327] In the illustrative implementation of the inventions other thanthe seventh illustrative implementation of the invention, periods werediscriminated based on a single condition. However, the presentinvention is not limited to such a construction; for example, it wouldalso be possible to install discriminating means for a plurality ofconditions beforehand, with the operator selecting desired conditions byoperating switches, etc. Also, it would also be possible to setprescribed logical operations (logical products, logical sums, etc.) fora plurality of conditions, and to discriminate periods based oncomposite conditions answering to these logical operations. For example,in a case where periods are discriminated based on the logical productof panning discrimination and absence-of-persons discrimination,moving-picture image information can be played back and displayed withan emphasis on “car window scenery with persons absent”, etc.Furthermore, fuzzy logic, etc., can also be employed in such logicaloperations.

[0328] In the illustrative implementation of the inventions describedabove, an optical-magnetic recording medium was used as the recordingmedium; however, the present invention is not restricted in terms of theform or material of the recording medium used. For example,semiconductor recording media, magnetic recording media or opticalrecording media, etc., may also be used as recording media.

[0329] In the second illustrative implementation of the invention,long-term spectrum averages were used as audio characteristic featureparameters; however, the present invention is not limited to such aconstruction. Any waveform or value which indicates characteristicfeatures of voices, e. g., mean pitch frequency, etc., may be used as acharacteristic feature parameter.

[0330] While preferred embodiments and implementations of the inventionhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that changes can be made in these embodiments andimplementations without departing from the principles and spirit of theinvention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image playback device comprising: a mediumplayback means which reads out recorded information that has beenrecorded on a recording medium; a time period discriminating means whichreceives the recorded information read out by the image playback meansand discriminates periods of time during which the recorded informationagrees with at least one pre-set condition; and a playback display meanswhich plays back and displays moving-picture image information containedin the recorded information in accordance with the results of thediscrimination performed by the time period discriminating means.
 2. Animage playback device according to claim 1, wherein the time perioddiscriminating means includes: a sound quantity detection means whichreceives audio information from the recorded information read out by themedium playback means, and detects a quantity of sound of this audioinformation; and a silence discriminating means which discriminatessilent periods in which the quantity of sound detected by the soundquantity detection means drops below a predetermined sound quantity; andthe playback display means plays back and displays moving-picture imageinformation contained in the recorded information only during timeperiods other than the silent periods discriminated by the silencediscriminating means.
 3. An image playback device according to claim 1,wherein the time period discriminating means includes: a speakercharacteristic feature extracting means which receives audio informationfrom the recorded information read out by the medium playback means, anddetects at least one characteristic feature parameter specifyinglong-term spectrum averages or mean pitch frequencies for the audioinformation; and a speaker discriminating means which discriminates timeperiods during which the at least one characteristic feature parameterdetected by the speaker characteristic feature extracting means agreeswith at least one pre-registered characteristic feature parameter withina permissible range; and wherein the playback display means plays backand displays moving-picture image information contained in the recordedinformation only during time periods discriminated by the speakerdiscriminating means.
 4. An image playback device according to claim 1,wherein the time period discriminating means includes: a brightnessdifference detection means which receives moving-picture imageinformation from the recorded information read out by the mediumplayback means, and detects differences in brightness level betweencentral and peripheral portions of an image screen; and a backlightingdiscriminating means which discriminates periods of backlighting basedon the brightness level differences detected by the brightnessdifference detection means; and wherein the playback display means playsback and displays moving-picture image information contained in therecorded information only during time periods other than the periods ofbacklighting discriminated by the backlighting discriminating means. 5.An image playback device according to claim 1, wherein the time perioddiscriminating means includes: a movement detection means which receivesmoving-picture image information from the recorded information read outby the medium playback means, and detects movement vectors betweenmoving-picture frames; and a panning discriminating means whichdiscriminates panning periods from the movement vectors detected by themovement detection means; and wherein the playback display meansacquires the panning periods discriminated by the panning discriminatingmeans, and plays back and displays moving-picture image informationcontained in the recorded information only during the panning periods orduring time periods other than the panning periods.
 6. An image playbackdevice according to claim 1, wherein the time period discriminatingmeans includes: a contrast detection means which receives moving-pictureimage information from the recorded information read out by the mediumplayback means, and detects contrast of this moving-picture imageinformation; and a low-contrast discriminating means which discriminateslow-contrast periods in which the contrast detected by the contrastdetection means drops below a predetermined threshold value; and whereinthe playback display means plays back and displays moving-picture imageinformation contained in the recorded information only during timeperiods other than the low-contrast periods discriminated by thelow-contrast discriminating means.
 7. An image playback device accordingto claim 1, wherein the time period discriminating means includes: aflesh tone detection means which receives moving-picture imageinformation from the recorded information read out by the mediumplayback means, and detects flesh tone regions within an image screen;and an absence-of-persons discriminating means which discriminatesperiods of absence of persons in which the flesh tone regions detectedby the flesh tone detection means drop below a prescribed area; andwherein the playback display means acquires the periods of absence ofpersons discriminated by the absence-of-persons discriminating means,and plays back and displays moving-picture image information containedin the recorded information only during time periods of absence ofpersons or during time periods other than time periods of absence ofpersons.
 8. An electronic camera comprising: an imaging means whichproduces moving-picture image information by imaging an object via animaging optical system; an imaging parameter detection means whichdetects at least one imaging parameter of the imaging optical system; amedium recording means which receives moving-picture image informationproduced by the imaging means and at least one imaging parameterdetected by the imaging parameter detection means, and records suchmoving-picture image information and imaging parameter on a recordingmedium as recorded information; a medium playback means which reads outrecorded information from the recording medium; a time perioddiscriminating means which receives at least one imaging parameter fromthe recorded information read out by the medium playback means, anddiscriminates time periods during which the received at least oneimaging parameter agrees with at least one pre-set condition; and aplayback display means which plays back and displays moving-pictureimage information contained in the recorded information in accordancewith results of the discrimination performed by the time perioddiscriminating means.
 9. An electronic camera according to claim 8,wherein: the imaging parameter detection means detects focal pointadjustment conditions of the imaging optical system as the at least oneimaging parameter; the time period discriminating means receives thefocal point adjustment conditions from the recorded information read outby the medium playback means, and discriminates out-of-focus periods inwhich the focal point adjustment conditions represent an out-of-focusstate; and the playback display means plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationonly during time periods other than the out-of-focus periods detected bythe time period discriminating means.
 10. An electronic camera accordingto claim 8, wherein: the imaging parameter detection means detects alens position of the imaging optical system as the at least one imagingparameter; the time period discriminating means receives the lensposition from the recorded information read out by the medium playbackmeans, and discriminates point-blank periods in which the lens positionis at a point-blank end; and the playback display means plays back anddisplays moving-picture image information contained in the recordedinformation only during time periods other than the point-blank periodsdiscriminated by the time period discriminating means.
 11. An electroniccamera according to claim 8, wherein: the imaging parameter detectionmeans detects a lens position of the imaging optical system as the atleast one imaging parameter; the time period discriminating meansreceives the lens position from the recorded information read out by themedium playback means, and discriminates periods of infinite distance inwhich the lens position is at an infinite distance end; and the playbackdisplay means plays back and displays moving-picture image informationcontained in the recorded information only during the periods ofinfinite distance discriminated by the time period discriminating meansor during time periods other than the periods of infinite distance. 12.An electronic camera comprising: an imaging means which producesmoving-picture image information by imaging an object via an imagingoptical system; an environmental parameter detection means which detectsat least one environmental parameter indicative of a surroundingenvironment at the time of imaging; a medium recording means whichreceives moving-picture image information produced by the imaging meansand at least one environmental parameter detected by the environmentalparameter detection means, and records such moving-picture imageinformation and the at least one environmental parameter on a recordingmedium as recorded information; a medium playback means which reads outthe recorded information from the recording medium; a time perioddiscriminating means which receives the at least one environmentalparameter from the recorded information read out by the medium playbackmeans, and discriminates time periods during which the received at leastone environmental parameter agrees with at least one pre-set condition;and a playback display means which plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationin accordance with results of the discrimination performed by the timeperiod discriminating means.
 13. An electronic camera according to claim12, wherein: the environmental parameter detection means includes: aninfrared radiation detection means which detects infrared radiation froman imaged object field; and a temperature detection means which detectstemperature of an object in accordance with the infrared radiationdetected by the infrared radiation detection means, and uses thistemperature of the object as an environmental parameter; the time perioddiscriminating means receives the temperature of the object from therecorded information read out by the medium playback means, anddiscriminates periods in which the temperature of the object is within apredetermined temperature range; and wherein the playback display meansplays back and displays moving-picture image information contained inthe above-mentioned recorded information only during the periodsdiscriminated by the time period discriminating means or during timeperiods other than the periods discriminated by the time perioddiscriminating means.
 14. An image playback method comprising: readingout recorded information that has been recorded on a recording medium;discriminating time periods during which the read out recordedinformation agrees with at least one pre-set condition; and playing backand displaying moving-picture image information contained in therecorded information in accordance with the results of thediscriminating.
 15. An image playback method according to claim 14,wherein the time period discriminating includes: receiving audioinformation from the recorded information read out and detecting aquantity of sound of this audio information; and discriminating silentperiods in which the quantity of detected sound drops below apredetermined sound quantity; and wherein moving-picture imageinformation contained in the recorded information is played back anddisplayed only during time periods other than the discriminated silentperiods.
 16. An image playback method according to claim 14, wherein thetime period discriminating includes: receiving audio information fromthe recorded information read out, and detecting at least onecharacteristic feature parameter specifying long-term spectrum averagesor mean pitch frequencies for the audio information; and discriminatingtime periods during which the detected at least one characteristicfeature parameter agrees with at least one pre-registered characteristicfeature parameter within a permissible range; and wherein moving-pictureimage information contained in the recorded information is played backand displayed only during discriminated time periods.
 17. An imageplayback method according to claim 14, wherein the time perioddiscriminating includes: receiving moving-picture image information fromthe recorded information read out, and detecting differences inbrightness level between central and peripheral portions of an imagescreen; and discriminating periods of backlighting based on the detectedbrightness level differences; and wherein moving-picture imageinformation contained in the recorded information is played back anddisplayed only during time periods other than the discriminated periodsof backlighting.
 18. An image playback method according to claim 14,wherein the time period discriminating includes: receivingmoving-picture image information from the recorded information read out,and detecting movement vectors between moving-picture frames; anddiscriminating panning periods from the detected movement vectors; andwherein moving-picture image information contained in the recordedinformation is played back and displayed only during discriminatedpanning periods or during time periods other than discriminated panningperiods.
 19. An image playback method according to claim 14, wherein thetime period discriminating includes: receiving moving-picture imageinformation from the recorded information read out, and detectingcontrast of this moving-picture image information; and discriminatinglow-contrast periods in which the detected contrast drops below apredetermined threshold value; and wherein moving-picture imageinformation contained in the recorded information is played back anddisplayed only during time periods other than the discriminatedlow-contrast periods.
 20. An image playback method according to claim14, wherein the time period discriminating includes: receivingmoving-picture image information from the recorded information read out,and detecting flesh tone regions within an image screen; anddiscriminating periods of absence of persons in which the detected fleshtone regions drop below a prescribed area; and wherein moving-pictureimage information contained in the recorded information is played backand displayed only during discriminated periods of absence of persons orduring periods other than discriminated periods of absence of persons.21. An electronic camera operating method comprising: producingmoving-picture image information by imaging an object via an imagingoptical system; detecting at least one imaging parameter of the imagingoptical system; receiving moving-picture image information produced bythe imaging and at least one detected imaging parameter, and recordingsuch moving-picture image information and imaging parameter on arecording medium as recorded information; reading out recordedinformation from the recording medium; receiving at least one imagingparameter from the recorded information read out, and discriminatingtime periods during which the received at least one imaging parameteragrees with at least one pre-set condition; and playing back anddisplaying moving-picture image information contained in the recordedinformation in accordance with results of the time perioddiscriminating.
 22. An electronic camera operating method according toclaim 21, wherein: the imaging parameter detecting detects focal pointadjustment conditions of the imaging optical system as the at least oneimaging parameter; the time period discriminating discriminatesout-of-focus periods in which the focal point adjustment conditionsrepresent an out-of-focus state; and the playing back and displayingplays back and displays moving-picture image information contained inthe recorded information only during time periods other thandiscriminated out-of-focus periods.
 23. An electronic camera operatingmethod according to claim 21, wherein: the imaging parameter detectingdetects a lens position of the imaging optical system as the at leastone imaging parameter; the time period discriminating discriminatespoint-blank periods in which the lens position is at a point-blank end;and the playing back and displaying plays back and displaysmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationonly during time periods other than the discriminated point-blankperiods.
 24. An electronic camera operating method according to claim21, wherein: the imaging parameter detecting detects a lens position ofthe imaging optical system as the at least one imaging parameter; thetime period discriminating discriminates periods of infinite distance inwhich the lens position is at an infinite distance end; and the playingback and displaying plays back and displays moving-picture imageinformation contained in the recorded information only duringdiscriminated periods of infinite distance or during time periods otherthan discriminated periods of infinite distance.
 25. An electroniccamera operating method comprising: producing moving-picture imageinformation by imaging an object via an imaging optical system;detecting at least one environmental parameter indicative of asurrounding environment at the time of imaging; receiving producedmoving-picture image information and at least one detected environmentalparameter, and recording such moving-picture image information and atleast one environmental parameter on a recording medium as recordedinformation; reading out the recorded information from the recordingmedium; receiving the at least one environmental parameter from therecorded information read out, and discriminating time periods duringwhich the received at least one environmental parameter agrees with atleast one pre-set condition; and playing back and displayingmoving-picture image information contained in the recorded informationin accordance with results of the time period discriminating.
 26. Anelectronic camera operating method according to claim 25, wherein: theenvironmental parameter detecting includes: detecting infrared radiationfrom an imaged object field; and detecting temperature of an object inaccordance with the detected infrared radiation as an environmentalparameter; wherein the time period discriminating discriminates periodsin which the temperature of the object is within a predeterminedtemperature range; and the playing back and displaying plays back anddisplays moving-picture image information contained in the recordedinformation only during discriminated periods or during time periodsother than the discriminated periods.